Erap to endorse presidential bet based on death penalty stance

MANILA, Philippines – The stand of presidential wannabes in the May elections on the proposed reimposition of the death penalty for drug offenders would be among his bases for endorsing a candidate, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said on Thursday.

Estrada, who led the countdown for New Year 2016 at Rajah Sulayman on Roxas Boulevard, said that the re-imposition of the death penalty should be included in the platform of presidential candidates.

“We must all do something about the country’s problem on illegal drugs. We must not allow our country to become another Colombia,” he said.

“This is too much. I will endorse the presidential candidate whose stand on the re-imposition of the death penalty jibes with mine,” Estrada said.

He said illegal drugs have affected thousands of young Filipinos on whose talents and skills the country depends.

Estrada also urged all local and national government officials to join forces to control the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country, specifically in Metro Manila.

Estrada said the drug menace has become so serious that it needs the concerted effort of local and national government officials.

He said that illegal drugs, which have affected 92 percent of barangays in Metro Manila, is now threatening the “moral fiber” of the youth.